Wow! Free Public Space Dedicated to Photography!

“The Annenberg Foundation, one of the nation’s largest private family foundations, announced today plans to open a new community space dedicated to both digital images and print photography in Los Angeles, California.

The Annenberg Space for Photography will open in spring 2009 at 2000 Avenue of the Stars. [photopress:annenbergspaceforphotography_largelogo_lessspace.jpg,full,alignright]
Located on the former site of the Shubert Theater, the Photography Space will be a 10,000 square foot facility which will feature a state-of-the-art digital projection gallery along with a traditional print exhibit area. The combination of these galleries will enable the Annenberg Space for Photography to show an unprecedented number of images to the general public in a dynamic environment. General admission to the Annenberg Space for Photography will be free.

“Photography is one of the most accessible and personal forms of art. We are thrilled about creating a space completely dedicated to it which will compliment the landscape of existing cultural institutions nationally and in Los Angeles. Our Foundation will continue its multi-million dollar grant support of the existing arts and civic life. We see the creation of the Annenberg Space for Photography as a service to the community where visitors can see the world through a different lens and leave feeling motivated to make positive change,” says Wallis Annenberg, Vice President and Trustee of the Annenberg Foundation. ”

This is some great news for LA. and photography in general. Along side one of the major talent agencies in town, major shopping mall, lawyers, multimillion dollar condos, and adjacent to Beverly Hills, this is huge news. We have some great photography collections in the Los Angeles, but this dedication to the art from a major institution is a huge move.
And it will be free to the public.
Nice.